Service Academy Nominations
Applications for a congressional nomination will open Monday, May 19, 2025. All required materials must be submitted by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:59pm MT.
Acceptance to one of our U.S. Service Academies is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a student. All five of our nation's service academies are four-year post-secondary institutions that combine educational excellence with military officer training. Students accepted to any of these five academies will receive a four-year education in return for a service commitment to active-duty military after graduation.
To be considered for admission to any of the following academies, students must receive a Congressional nomination from either their U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Note: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination.
In addition to being nominated by a member of Congress, students are also expected to meet the highly competitive educational, extracurricular, physical aptitude, and medical standards that are set by each academy.
How to Apply
- Click here to begin your application.
- Your completed application with all required materials must be received by our office no later than 11:59 pm MT on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025.
Required Materials for a Congressional Nomination:
- Must be a resident of Congressional District 1.
- You can confirm your district here.
- Completed Application Form by the deadline
- Please note that resumes may not be submitted in place of the official application
- School Recommendation Form
- Please note that the form is downloaded in this application
- Official High School Transcript
- Must include an official seal or stamp, or the signature and title of a school official
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Letters must come from individuals who know you well, such as a teacher, principal, school counselor, employer, coach, extracurricular advisor, community or church leader, or scout/CAP/JROTC leader.
- Please note that these are in addition to the counselor/principal information on the School Recommendation Form
- Wallet-Size Photograph (2” x 3”)
- A recent photo appropriate for inclusion with your application
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
- Once your completed application is received, you will be notified of your application status via email.
- After we review your materials, we will contact you to schedule an interview.
- If you are selected for a nomination following the interview, you will receive an official Notice of Nomination letter.
Important Information About the Nomination Process:
- Air Force, Naval, and Military Academies: Each Member of Congress may have no more than five constituents enrolled at any one of these academies at a time. When a current student graduates or leaves, a vacancy is created. For each vacancy, a Member of Congress can nominate up to 15 candidates. The respective academy will then review these nominations and select which individuals to appoint.
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Members of Congress may nominate up to 10 candidates. The academy will evaluate these nominees and determine which to appoint.
- Helpful Tip: Consider applying to all the service academies you’re interested in – admission is highly competitive, and your top choice is not guaranteed.